CHICAGO - The Nov. 11  deadline is quickly approaching for public libraries to participate in the 2011-2012 Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study online survey. The survey provides an important opportunity for libraries to share information on computer and Internet resources and infrastructure, as well as funding, technology training and other uses of public libraries, such as providing public access technology centers in their communities. Libraries are encouraged to log on now at www.plinternetsurvey.org.

“The survey has been a vital resource for library advocacy at the local, state and national levels,” said Judy Hoffman, project manager for the American Library Association Office for Research and Statistics. “The strength of the study rests on the level of participation. We encourage libraries to keep the momentum going to create the most current and complete snapshot of technology in U.S. public libraries.”

Recent study findings have been cited in hundreds of media outlets, including The New York Times, The Christian Science Monitor, Government Technology and Fast Company. Data has informed the National Broadband Plan and been used in Congressional and state-level testimony, as well as in comments to national agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission.

The study, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and ALA, continues work begun by John Carlo Bertot and Charles R. McClure in 1994. The survey is managed by the Information Policy & Access  Center at the University of Maryland.

More information, including results from the 2010-2011 study, is available at www.ala.org/plinternetfunding. Related news, insights and free resources from the study are available on the study blog – Libraries Connect Communities– and Twitter feed (ala_ors).

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